BUSINESSES and individuals working in East Lothian’s tourism and events industry have received recognition at Scotland’s premier tourism and events awards.

East Lothian events took home two prizes at the Scottish Thistle Awards national final, which took place at the Glasgow Hilton last Friday and was hosted by TV presenter Jennifer Reoch.

The Scottish Thistle Awards are delivered by VisitScotland with support from headline sponsor Johnstons of Elgin.

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The awards, which also include a media partnership with News Scotland, celebrate the very best of tourism in Scotland and the excellence, collaboration and innovation that is helping to support the responsible growth of the industry.

Fringe by the Sea was named Outstanding Cultural Event or Festival.

The annual festival, which takes place over 10 days in August in North Berwick, received the award for its 2022 festival, which delivered more than 219 events to almost 60,000 visitors and brought more than £6.5million to the county.

Judges praised the festival for being embedded in the local community and for its commitment to inclusivity and responsible tourism.

They also commended Fringe by the Sea for being a Living Wage employer.

On receiving the award, Jackie Shuttleworth, Fringe by the Sea general manager, said: “Fringe by the Sea is a huge team effort with fantastic crew and volunteers so this award is really a big thanks to everyone involved.

“Community is at the heart of the festival and we think that’s what really delivers the magic.”

East Lothian also walked away with the prize for Outstanding Sporting Event after the success of the Genesis Scottish Open at The Renaissance Club in 2022.

This category recognises the important contribution sporting events make to Scotland’s communities and the well-being of its people.

The 2022 tournament was the first ever co-sanctioned tournament between the DP World Tour and PGA Tour, and was organised collaboratively by both organisations.

It attracted 156 competitors representing 31 countries and, as the first year back at full scale after the Covid-19 pandemic, hosted more than 68,000 spectators and reached a record global TV audience.

Judges praised the Genesis Scottish Open for achieving record attendances and global broadcast coverage.

They also commended the tournament for its engagement with the local community, positive support from stakeholder groups and focus on sustainability and environmental impact.

Rory Colville, Genesis Scottish Open championship director, said: “We are thrilled to receive this award, which recognises the hard work of everyone involved in staging a truly world-class event on Scotland’s golf coast.

“The tournament has continued to go from strength to strength in recent years and that would not have been possible without the collaboration between the DP World Tour and PGA Tour and our partners at Genesis, VisitScotland and The Renaissance Club.

“I would also like to thank the staff, volunteers, and everyone who makes this such a memorable event, as we turn our attention to making the 2024 tournament even bigger and better!”

Neil Christison, VisitScotland regional director, added: “Congratulations to Fringe by the Sea and the Genesis Scottish Open on winning a prestigious Scottish Thistle Award at this year’s national final.

“It is a fantastic achievement to earn recognition as one of the best in the country and helps to shine a spotlight on the local region and the positive impacts our tourism and events industry brings to Scotland.

“The Scottish Thistle Awards celebrate innovation, collaboration and sustainable practices, supporting the ambition of the national tourism strategy, Outlook 2030, for Scotland to be a world leader in 21st-century tourism.”